Empowering Young Girls:  The Decision that Changed my Life Forever

There will be a moment in someone’s life where a part of herself dies, that moment when she needs to make a decision- to stay or to let go. 

When she finally decides where she stands in life- to stay the same or to grow.

It’s when she sees everything clearly, the good, the bad, and accepts everything as it is. 

I was 16 when I made the decision of leaving everyone behind. To let go and choose my happiness, of choosing what’s best for me. This is the first decision I ever made in my life. The decision that made me who I am right now- confident, unapologetic, and headstrong. 

Contrary to who I was in my much younger years, I was a pushover, definitely a people pleaser. I was naive and a scared little girl, always waiting for someone to tell me what to do. 

I need to be the good girl, to say yes all the time, always asking for permission, looking for other people’s approval. Every choice that I made was influenced by others and believing what they are telling me. People are pulling me in different directions because I allow them to. 

Then one morning, I looked in the mirror, barely recognized myself, and said,

“This is not who I am. I do not want this life. I do not belong here. This life is not for me. I deserve better.” 

I realized what was holding me back, I was waiting for someone to save me. 

I vividly remember that moment, that one moment when I finally chose to save myself instead. I left and never came back. 

Some losses set us free. Surprisingly, that decision changed my life forever. It propels me to the best years of my life. I met good people along the way and most importantly I found myself.

From then on, all the choices I made- big or small, failure or wins that brought me to where I am today are mine alone. 

I never let anyone put their limitations on me. 

I never let anyone project their insecurities on me.

Self-trust is staying true to yourself no matter what people say or how many people keep you off track. You stay true to your vision, your value, and what you want in life. 

Self-trust is when you take responsibility for your own happiness. 

Now, looking back at those years, it’s not that I don’t know what to do. In fact, I always knew… I just need to find the courage to stand up for myself.

I always knew who I was. 

I always knew I’m going to leave and never come back. 

I always knew I didn’t belong.

I always knew what I wanted in life.

I always knew I’m strong.

This is for every girl who doubts herself, who is always waiting, who always wants to be nice, who always needs to say yes.

Trusting yourself is all about knowing who you are, what’s important to you, staying true to yourself, and standing firm on it. 

Self-trust is the epitome of true confidence.